Benjamin Hollingsworth’s Virgin River character Dan Brady might be the unluckiest character in the whole series, a guy who just can’t catch a break. While Season 7 of the Netflix hit got fans excited about the reunion of our favourite couple, Brady and Brie Sheridan (Zibby Allen), the excitement all came crashing down as we see Brady get in a motorcycle accident in the final moments of the season.
Reflecting on yet another season of dire circumstances for Brady, Hollingsworth told Yahoo Canada it’s “very torturous,” both for Brady and for the actor, wondering if his character will even be alive in Season 8. But as Hollingsworth put it, Brady “just can’t have nice things.”
“It was a difficult season for Brady, because he was very much in a holding pattern, kind of trying to wait for Brie to figure out what she wanted, and trying to see if he could be friends with her, and trying to figure out if Virgin River was the right spot for him still,” Hollingsworth said. “And then, of course, as soon as he gets it all figured out, he gets into a motorcycle accident.”
What you didn’t see in that steamy Brie, Brady sex scene
But getting back to the positive moments in Virgin River Season 7, Hollingsworth said he and his wife are Brie and Brady fans, so he was happy to see that reunion actually happen. And of course, that included a steamy sex scene on Brady’s motorcycle.
But the actor revealed that the scene was more painful than you may expect.
“Those scenes are kind of complex sometimes, because there’s so much build-up and so much expectation, and Zibby and I are aware that’s coming up, … it had this kind of paramount feeling,” he said. “And so we were both, on the day, really wanting to service the scene, and the director really wanted to service the scene too. And the trick with that is trying to just let it be what it’s going to be, and not to try and make it this like iconic scene. “
“We’re analyzing, we’re trying to hit beats, and we’re trying to make sure that it really feels satisfying for the audience, because I feel like the audience deserves it at this point, because there was such a long period before they finally get together. … I love working with Zibby. Obviously, her and I get along great, and we have this shorthand about things, and we trust each other wholly. And so it was a good one to film, although very uncomfortable for me on the bike. … My lower back for weeks after [was hurt], because [my back is arched], and then I’m engaging my abs to try and keep me up, all the while I’m like, malnourished because I’m trying to get ready for the shirtless stuff, which is all a whole different challenge. But I’m glad it paid off. “
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Brady’s real friendship
Aside from Brady’s romantic connection in Season 7, he also shared some great moments with Kandyse McClure’s character Kaia Bryant, including going out to manage the wildfires, and having (another) near-death experience.
“I was trying to make it so that he felt comfortable there, that the rules and the order and the structure of things is where Brady excels,” Hollingsworth said. “He’s actually very, very valuable, and has that kind of selflessness.”
That was followed by a touching conversation with Kaia, where Brady says he’s thinking about joining Cal Fire full-time, which would take him out of Virgin River.
“I didn’t clock that as something that was going to be impactful, but I think when you have this new kind of relationship, a couple seasons now with Kaia and Brady, there’s this bond that he doesn’t have with anyone else,” Hollingsworth said. “He doesn’t have a friend, really, aside from her now, and for her to be there and be like, ‘This is what I think, but I’m still going to support you if this is what you really want.’ … And you can tell she wants him to stay.”
“I really enjoyed working with Kandyse a lot this past season, and I really do like where the relationship with them was going.”
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Giving his kids a ‘wholesome Canadian upbringing’
Looking to the potential future for Brady, Hollingsworth, firstly, hopes he’s alive. And he also would love to explore his relationships with Jack (Martin Henderson) and Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) in the future, and Dr. Vernon Mullins (Tim Matheson).
“Being more part of the town now that [his relationship with Brie] is public, and he’s kind of out from under this dark cloud, if he’s alive,” Hollingsworth said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to bring him into these different worlds and see what happens with Brie … and how do they navigate that kind of relationship.”
The actor highlighted that it’s been a “gift” to be part of a show that’s lasted for so many seasons. And specifically, being able to continue to raise his children in Canada, in British Columbia, where the show is filmed.
“I’m Canadian, very proud, and love spending time in Canada,” Hollingsworth said. “And the opportunity to even spend a couple of years up in Canada and have the boys feel what it’s like up there. And then, of course, one season turns into two, turns into three. And then after Season 3, we got picked up for four and five before three came out, which was just insane to know I was going to be in one spot for three years in Canada.”
“So we built a house up here. The kids go to the school up here and love it. … Especially times like right now, I’m just so grateful that they’re getting the whole experience, and they’re getting that … wholesome Canadian upbringing.”